Samsung NX500 review: the best affordable system camera - SamMobile

The Samsung NX500 was appear in Feb this year, and has been available for a few months now. We haven't been publishing about Samsung cameras so far, simply nosotros're starting with a post past our Dutch colleague tech-blogger Marc Wielaert, sharing his feel with the Samsung NX500, possibly the all-time affordable system camera – his first after using dozens of smartphone cameras.

Introduction: from smartphone to arrangement camera

My smartphone has been my but camera for at to the lowest degree the past five years: what I could capture with information technology simply suited my needs and I didn't need to behave a second device. Smartphone cameras showed immense comeback over that menses – and so did my shots. I started my own web log comparing smartphone cameras (world wide web.smartcam.club), which I recently put on hold, considering subsequently a few years I didn't notice any major improvements.

I'm still testing smartphone cameras whenever I get the chance, but choosing a system camera has been an important next step for me as a photographer. Samsung was a logical choice. I've used all of the Galaxy Southward range and liked them a lot, noticing serious improvement in imaging up until the Note 4 and Milky way S6 Edge. But I wanted to exist able to make even ameliorate shots than even the best smartphones could achieve.

Continued camera with 3 inch touchscreen

Like my smartphones, I wanted my new photographic camera to be "connected", enabling me to instantly share the results using WiFi or Bluetooth. And of course, I needed a touchscreen interface. Different from my smartphones though, I finally wanted the possibility to exchange lenses – without having to carry a big DSLR: I wanted my adjacent camera to be compact and lightweight. After briefly trying the NX1000 and NX300, I finally chose the Samsung NX500. It doesn't fit into my pocket, but it's low-cal and piece of cake to carry in a purse (including a few lenses fifty-fifty). It has everything I hoped for – and more than!

Whopping sensor

1 affair I found irresistible in the NX500 is the fantastic sensor Samsung blessed information technology with: a 28.2MP sensor, the exact same one Samsung uses in its flagship camera, the NX1. For the NX1 all the same, y'all'll pay most three times as much and that's merely for the body, and so not including any lens. The fact that Samsung uses the same high-end sensor of its flagship in a consumer product all the same baffles me – I even gauge it's a first in the industry. By the mode, if y'all have read something about the NX1 being discontinued, there's more in this post.

I know a sensor is not near only the amount of megapixels, but the size of the sensor. In this case, information technology's a 23.5mm ten 15.7mm APS-C backside illuminated CMOS sensor – which means it will non only be able to capture an insane amount of detail, merely as well much more light in darker situations. ISO setting can be gear up from ISO 100 up to ISO 25.600. If you want to capture something when it's really nighttime, with specs like these a maximum of 30 seconds exposure should really be enough.

Ultra loftier-res 4K

Autofocus performance is nearly every bit adept as on the NX1 as well, thanks to Samsung'south advanced engineering science ("NX AF System III", with 205 on-sensor phase detect pixels). I've been enjoying that for the past weeks: autofocus is extremely fast indeed. Goes without proverb that the sharpness of your shot depends on the lens and settings yous're using.

If you're into capturing video, the NX500 will let you to capture in ultra high-res 4K: both Ultra Hard disk drive 3840 x 2160 and Cinema 4K 4096 ten 2160 resolutions. You lot tin choose lower resolutions too of course (as low every bit 640×480). To make sure the video quality won't use the greater part of your microSD bill of fare, Samsung uses a special video codec (H.265 HEVC). This means you volition need to catechumen your video before you tin can play information technology on your computer or share it (like on YouTube). I've been pleasantly surprised by the audio quality coming from the internal microphones, as you tin hear in this quiet static video from a local pulsate band I captured in Germany.

Possible deal breakers

I'll share a few possible deal breakers correct away: the NX500 doesn't offering an electronic view finder, significant you'll accept to work with the brandish even in very bright circumstances. You tin rotate the display though (upwardly to 180 degrees), and since it'south an AMOLED screen, the lack of EVF hasn't bothered me much, not even in bright sunlight. I know it's a big deal for some though.

Others will be disappointed by the fact at that place is no external microphone (nor headphone) jack, meaning you'll have to work with what the NX500 offers you onboard. That's swell at all in itself (using the renowned AAC pinch for audio recording), but pro users will probably desire to be able to piece of work with more than.

At that place is no internal flash either, but you'll find an external flash in the box. That will have its energy from the NX500 bombardment, so using information technology will touch its endurance. Likewise, the NX500 doesn't come with an additional charger: when you lot're using a spare battery you can't charge the used ane at the same time.

On a side annotation, without using the flash I've been capturing shut to a thousand shots on 1 day and the battery was far from empty. Moreover, the NX500 does power upwardly with a standard micro-USB, which I remember is essential nowadays.

Look and feel

Simply put, I beloved the pattern of the NX500. It's manifestly a very modern device but has a very classic appearance (I have the blackness version). The imitation leather – much improve quality than we've seen on the Galaxy Camera range – makes for a very good grip, supported past a special "thumb-ridge" on the back.

Left from the ridge every bit well equally on meridian of the device, you'll find a small-scale scroll cycle to fine-tune specific settings. Depending on which way you are using, you can either employ your alphabetize finger or thumb to arrange aperture value (changing the opening of the lens), or shutter speed. It might take some time getting used to, but it's blazing fast afterwards.

The AMOLED touchscreen brandish makes it easy to command all the functions the NX500 offers – you tin just fingertip your way through the carte and it'due south very intuitive. The fact you lot can turn it all the way upward (180 degrees) makes it extremely versatile. Information technology does work wonders for a selfie or a portrait with a friend, but since I'm not that much into the selfie rage, I often use it for a 90 degree angle to be able to capture subjects from a very low level, like with the archetype Alfa Romeo Spider you've seen at the top of this post and this mushroom for instance.

In combination with the standard sixteen-50mm F3.5-v.6 Power Zoom ED OIS kit lens, the NX500 feels very well balanced – like shooting fish in a barrel to hold and really smashing fun to work with. The kit lens offers surprising quality anyway, particularly subsequently a contempo software update (see beneath).

Settings

On tiptop, on the far right side, you'll observe the horizontal roll bicycle for all dissimilar settings. One of the more remarkable ones is called SAS. "Samsung Auto Shot" offers clever software for "baseball", "jump" or "trap" shot. That means the camera will actually encounter and capture when someone hits the brawl or reaches the highest bespeak of a jump. It'southward non something I've used and then far, but I'm sure it might come in handy one twenty-four hour period.

Under the S function you'll find something y'all probably know from Samsung smartphones already: automated settings for Beauty face, Landscape, Action freeze, Panorama, Waterfall then on. Upward until now, I simply used the Panorama function from these, which works fine in itself but I was disappointed to see how the resolution changes to a style smaller size, resulting in an epitome with much less detail than I hoped for. So I gauge it doesn't make much sense choosing that choice if you want a detailed panorama.

Other than that – and apart from the Auto settings – you lot'll find the settings for Program, Discontinuity priority, Shutter priority and Transmission settings.

Speed course: discontinuity value, shutter speed and ISO

Since this is one of the first posts near Samsung imaging devices here, I'k guessing non every reader is experienced with the nuts of photography, and then here's a very brusque speed course almost a few of them.

Aperture is about the opening of the lens. Apart from the pretty obvious difference of a way bigger lens and sensor, being able to modify aperture is another essential departure with smartphone photography, where discontinuity is stock-still.

With a system camera (and DSLR), maximum aperture depends on the lens y'all are using. Smallest value (meaning largest opening) on the kit lens of the NX500 is f/3.v. Using other Samsung lenses yous tin can go as far every bit f/1.4, which ways y'all will be able to capture far more low-cal. Needing less exposure time for a skilful shot, information technology's called a "fast lens".

By changing aperture value, you tin can adjust the depth of field (DOF). For instance, if you want the foreground to be abrupt confronting a blurry background – to really make your subject stand out – y'all choose low aperture value. If for some reason you lot need both the foreground and groundwork to exist precipitous, you choose a high aperture value – yous can change it up to f/22. You'll need more exposure time, since the lens opening will be much smaller. When in Aperture priority, the camera will calculate the shutter speed you need.

Shutter speed is easier to understand: with a very fast shutter speed you can freeze fast moving objects. The NX500 is every bit fast equally 1/6000 second. Longer exposure time is needed to capture dark scenes and you tin can open the NX500 lens up to 30 seconds.

ISO is near light sensitivity of the sensor. The lower the ISO value, the less noise you'll go far the picture. On the NX500, minimum is ISO 100, maximum ISO 25.600 (which I in fact never used). The lower you set the ISO value, the more exposure fourth dimension y'all will need, so in darker situations it'south important to cull college ISO, especially if your discipline is moving.

The example below was captured later in the evening. I wanted longest exposure to capture the low-cal trails of traffic on the bridge in Münster (Germany). I captured information technology using ISO 200 (for low racket) and 30 seconds exposure time, choosing f/14 aperture.

Concluding but not to the lowest degree, you can choose the raw .SRW format, a proprietary format Samsung uses for the "digital negative". Using programs like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can squeeze the best out of what the sensor captured, just if yous don't own these programs, you tin can as well get a pretty skilful result from your files using the Samsung Raw Converter – not as elaborate as the famous other programs, but easy to piece of work with and free.

Lenses

Lenses are measured in "millimeter". The lower the value, the wider the view – higher values go yous closer to your discipline. Zoom lenses combine different values, and OIS stands for "optical image stabilization" – to avert blurry shots.

The Samsung 16-50mm F3.5-5.vi Power Zoom ED OIS kit lens performs remarkably well for something that comes "standard" and I did notice comeback in sharpness after a software update. By and large speaking, I use the kit lens almost since I like to apply its zoom capacity. Just the possibility to modify lenses was i of the reasons I wanted the NX500 in the first place, and I noticed even meliorate results coming from my 45mm f/ane.eight and 30mm f/two lens.

Yous might notice the 2D/3D sign on the 45mm f/1.8 lens – haven't used 3D then far, simply bought this version since information technology's the one I found and yous tin can become the same lens without the 3D option. These lenses are not even near the best Samsung has to offer though, similar the 85mm f/1.4 lens, or the sixteen-50mm S lens (f/two-f/2.8) (both will cost you more than what you'll pay for the camera itself, including the kit lens).  In a future post I hope to exist able to share some of my experiences with the best Samsung NX series lenses.

Working with the NX500

It took me quite some time to discover its possibilities and I'1000 very sure I notwithstanding accept much to learn, merely I definitely got what I hoped for with the Samsung NX500. Fantastic detail from its vivid sensor, a very intuitive user interface thank you to well-placed buttons and, of course, the ease of a touchscreen. Moreover it's very easy to copy my shots to my smartphone or tablet and share from there.

I never work using its automobile settings though (unless light circumstances are hard and time is likewise limited to effigy out what the best settings would be). E'er choosing auto would be wasting your money nonetheless: in general you really need to choose a certain way which volition suit what you want to capture best. And there'southward much to choose from as well.

I'll just share a few shots as an instance. Yous'll see the original followed by a ingather from the same shot, to testify the amazing detail yous'll be able to capture. I'll link to much more examples at the bottom of this mail.

Samsung i-Launcher

When you connect the NX500 to your PC or Apple, you'll have the possibility to install the Samsung i-Launcher. Here yous tin download the full user manual, and it's the most easy way to install software updates. Information technology will cheque for updates of the device itself and for the Samsung lens y'all take attached to it – so information technology's useful to bank check for updates for every lens you own.

From hither, you can download an impressive bunch of software I'chiliad sure you'll like to use. A DNG and RAW converter for instance, or a Movie Converter to change your 4K footage into something you can really share – because of the specific H.265 Codec Samsung is using, you can't merely copy and play the 4K files on your PC.

Looking for a fast solution for this, I learned about gratis software that will play your 4K footage without a problem (on Windows x that is, not sure about previous Windows versions): PotPlayer.

Samsung Camera Manager

The awarding you'll want on your smartphone or tablet is called "Samsung Camera Director". Simply like you can use the new Gear S2 smartwatch with other brands, Samsung doesn't need you to buy their smartphone as well, so you can install the application on other Android devices. In this instance, there is even a version for the iPhone and iPad (no official version for Windows Phone however as far as I know).

Among other things, it will bear witness the shots yous captured on the NX500 on your smartphone (or tablet) and it will allow y'all to copy the ones you want in the same resolution. Also, Photographic camera Manager works as a "remote viewfinder", so you can use the display of your smartphone or tablet as a viewfinder (also when your NX500 is on a tripod somewhere else – merely of course close plenty not to lose the Bluetooth connection).

The Rumor Mill

There accept been quite a few rumors going around in the infamous cyberspace rumor mill – sites unremarkably quoting each other, all based on the very aforementioned source (like one Korean newspaper). Samsung has only reacted to the start ane in September, and so the idea Samsung could be leaving the camera market (like it suddenly left the laptop industry), is now making quite a few fans of the NX series nervous.

Yesterday a new rumor surfaced that Samsung would indeed terminate selling the NX1 in Europe – and of class it's spreading all over the web. Equally usual, the rumor mill has been started by one source – and i source only.

This time – on the site's forum – information technology'due south a "answer" written by "someone" from Samsung, quoted"Nosotros quickly adapt to market needs and demands. In Europe, nosotros will be discontinuing sales of NX1 cameras for now since in that location is already much better and upgraded cameras. This is specific to the region – and is non necessarily cogitating of atmospheric condition in other markets. We will continue to thoroughly evaluate market conditions and will make further adjustments to maintain our competitiveness in emerging Camera categories."

Information technology's a disruptive statement and as far from an official confirmation from Samsung as one tin imagine. The conclusion "Samsung NX1 officially dead" is far-fetched. Samsung has spent an enormous corporeality on R&D for the NX series (new devices, slap-up lenses, software updates) and leaving the market when they are edifice a solid reputation would be a very irrational thing to do. Even if Samsung would decide to leave the pro-market past abandoning the NX1, information technology doesn't hateful it would be ditching the entire NX series. Truth is: we simply don't know. A new official argument would be more than welcome past now.

Decision

The Samsung NX500 turned out to offer more than I always expected and has definitely been a big step up after working with the best smartphone cameras for years. Although I've been very satisfied with the results coming from a huge amount of great performing smartphones, it'south obvious what I've been depriving myself of. I just never wanted to bear an extra device.

No doubt, the astonishing same-every bit-on-the-NX1-flagship sensor is responsible for my better shots. The standard xvi-50mm F3.5-5.half dozen Power Zoom ED OIS kit lens has been of bang-up influence besides, but I've noticed fifty-fifty better shots coming from my Prime NX lenses (the 30mm f/2.0 and 45mm f/one.8) – I can only imagine what information technology volition be like to work with some of Samsung'south high-terminate lenses.

I guess I'm old-fashioned regarding video – much more than into photography myself – and I've been amazed what I can reach shooting in 4K. Of course you'll notice 4K video already in smartphones (from the Galaxy S5 onwards), merely recorded with these optics the result is something else and offers astonishing detail! You'll have to use a converter before yous can view the upshot on your PC, unless you install dedicated software like PotPlayer.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the sound – no clipping as I expected recording loftier volumes similar in the example above. I'm certain the sound could fifty-fifty be better coming from an external microphone, and then pro users do need to have a expect at the much more than expensive NX1 later on all (and get the electronic viewfinder at the aforementioned time).

The NX500 is remarkably calorie-free (depending on the lens you're using of course) but it feels really sturdy. Information technology's easy to carry every bit it's like shooting fish in a barrel to use: the touchscreen interface is brilliant and the buttons are well-placed (you won't fifty-fifty have to look afterward a while). The "thumb ridge" really adds to your grip on the device. Thank you to the rotating display I'm able to capture shots from ground level (without having to lie downwardly or simply guess what I'm capturing) – or it enables me to capture shots from way over my head. Rotating upwards to 180 degrees is platonic for "selfies".

I'chiliad enjoying the free Samsung Camera Manager. On a smartphone or tablet information technology shows all the shots I captured on my NX500 and information technology really is a breeze to select those I want to copy – to have a detailed expect at the result or share it without needing my laptop.

In all, I think the NX500 offers amazing value for money and by now yous tin can purchase 1 for a lot less than its suggested retail price ($800). Coming from smartphone photography though, I was surprised to learn a groovy lens may cost you more than y'all ever paid for your best smartphone. With some luck you lot can find some interesting prime lenses on the second paw market if you can't beget to spend much on new ones. Since Samsung is a relativele newcomer in this manufacture, there's non likewise much out there yet though, but that's only a matter of time I guess.

If you lot want to buy new, there'southward a wide range available for the Samsung NX series. In all, I'thousand sure I fabricated the right decision choosing the Samsung NX500: like with my smartphone, I hardly always leave home without information technology. You lot'll find a few dozens of shots I captured with the NX500 hither on Flickr.

Pros	Cons
Amazing 28.2MP sensor	No electronic view finder
3-inch AMOLED touchscreen (rotates 180 degrees)	No microphone/headphone jacks
Intuitive user interface	No built-in flash
4K video with space saving codec	No external charger
Connected (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Regular software updates for camera and lenses
Samsung Camera Manager for Android and iOS
Samsung i-Launcher offers useful software
Charges with microUSB
Compact and lightweight
Great build quality
Includes external flash
Groovy value for money

Source: https://www.sammobile.com/2015/11/12/samsung-nx500-review-the-best-affordable-system-camera/

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